MSI in a Corgi

[janicelmcconnell]

Hi -
I have a couple of questions to throw out there...
We were referred a Corgi who was diagnosed with MSI. The RDVM ordered a DogLeggs stabilization system which unfortunately just didn’t work on this dog’s conformation. Has anyone had success with Orthopets (or another brand of) hobble vest in a Corgi?

We have also hit a plateau with this dog (along with some setbacks since owner wasn’t able to keep the hobbles on full time at home) and surgery will not be an option for this owner. We have focused on therapeutic exercise, laser/pain control, and I will ‘hobble’ the dog with an ace bandage for certain activities in the clinic. What other approaches will you take in a challenging, higher grade MSI case when surgery is not an option? I don’t have shockwave yet, but wondering if it can be successful for these cases; or do you have other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any input!

Janice McConnell

[lehughes]

Hi Janice,

I love this question. I primarily treat dogs with MSI without surgery.
Firstly, type in the little white search box (up and to the right) medial shoulder instability, MSI, shoulder, instability, etc. You will then be able to find all of the blogs, papers, videos, etc that are on FourLeg on the topic.

Video Training 5 & 7
The July-Aug 2017 Newsletter
And tons of blog posts on this topic.

You can totally be successful. 1) Pain management - modalities and/or meds (short term), 2) Strengthen the forelimbs 3) Balance / Proprioception / Coordination retraining, 4) Nutraceutical support, 5) some mobilizations (mostly for pain management and/or to gain end range extension), 6) Gait retraining (to get end range extension) - I like backwards walking on a decline using a treadmill, or slow stepping over wide objects.

It's do-able!

Good luck!

Laurie

[janicelmcconnell]

Hi Laurie,

Thanks for the reply. We are addressing most of what you have listed, although I have not done any mobs on this dog. Have you found a hobble vest that will work on a Corgi or dog with similar conformation? I am worried that she may be doing things at home to cause continued injury and that may be part of why we’ve stalled in progress.

Janice

[lehughes]

Hey Janice,

To specifically answer your question, NO.
But to elaborate, I've only ever put ONE dog in hobbles. An older dog who didn't really have the ability to put on muscle / exercise enough to make an improvement.
OH, and one other... but similar scenario... older with various health issues, and unable to engage in much of a strengthening program.

I would highly recommend mobilizing. I often find these guys will get an 'auto-manip' when you do either a caudal glide on the humerus (in extension. i.e. trying to get pure glenohumeral extension) or with an abduction-adduction mobilization). I think the mobilizations are imperative for joint health, to normalize pressure within the joint, and reduce pain &/or inflammation.

So, I would say, you can absolutely do this without hobbles! In-fact I would more or less recommend it.
Maybe get more aggressive with your exercises - advanced stabilization stuff, or backwards walking on the treadmill (even if just front feet only on the belt and rears on the stable platform.) If you have access to a treadmill. Those would be my top 2 recommendations.

Best of luck! Keep us posted!

Laurie

[janicelmcconnell]

Thank you so much! I did some glides on the dog last week and will make a point to do them more regularly now.
And, yes, we do have a treadmill so we’ll introduce her to that as well.